Clément Lenglet talks Napoli, Gerard Piqué and Europe’s best strikers

Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

The defender spoke to the club’s website ahead of the Champions League return

Barcelona are in the middle of their preparation for the biggest match of the season, Saturday against Napoli in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

Ahead of the European restart, Barça defender Clément Lenglet spoke to the club’s official website about what Barça need to do against their opponents, his references in the position and who are the best strikers in Europe.

Here’s some highlights from Lenglet’s interview:

On Napoli

“Napoli are a difficult team to beat, and we drew 1-1 against them in the first leg. We have a small advantage but it isn’t too big. We will have to play a good match to qualify and travel to Portugal, then we will fight to get as far as possible.”

On Dries Mertens

“I couldn’t play against him in the first leg, but I did in pre-season. He is very fast in the first three metres, has great movement and likes to run in behind the defenders. He’s lethal near the goal and scored a good goal in the first leg.”

On his favorite defenders growing up

“I have always liked to see how defenders played, because although they’re not the focus of attention on television, players like Laurent Blanc or Gerard Piqué have always inspired me, a reference for my future.”

On Europe’s best strikers

“Lewandowski is a very skilful forward, very good in front of goal and inside the area. He’s also very physical and you have to be very attentive at all times since he can make a difference. Lukaku is very difficult to defend against because he’s a big player and very strong. I prefer not to be too close to him to prevent him from turning me.

“Rashford is very fast in the first few metres and he should be kept away from goal, while Mané and Salah are two explosive players who complement Firmino very well, as he creates spaces for the other two.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com